Aston Villa complete signing of Sweden goalkeeper Robin Olsen on loan from Roma as Steven Gerrard seals his fourth arrival in the January transfer window
- Sweden goalkeeper Robin Olsen has completed a loan move to Aston Villa
- Olsen, 32, is Villa’s fourth signing of the January transfer window
- He spent the first half of the campaign with Sheffield United
- He has Premier League experience, playing seven games for Everton last season
Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Sweden goalkeeper Robin Olsen on loan from Roma until the end of the season.
The 32-year-old joins Villa having spent the first part of the campaign on loan at Sky Bet Championship side Sheffield United.
Sweden international Olsen had a spell at Everton last season, making seven Premier League appearances for the Toffees.
Robin Olsen has joined Aston Villa for the remainder of the season on loan from Roma
Goalkeeper Olsen is Steven Gerrard’s fourth signing of the January transfer window
‘It was easy (the decision to join Villa). When I heard about it from my agent for the first time, I decided to do whatever I could to change club and sign for Villa,’ Olsen told the club’s official website.
‘It was an easy choice from the first call I had from my agent. When you come to the car park and see the building, you see that it’s a massive club.
‘I’ve heard how good it is but when you’re inside and see the facilities, it’s amazing. You have everything you need to improve yourself and be as good as you can be.’
Olsen will provide experienced back-up for Villa number one Emiliano Martinez.
Swedish star Olsen will provide healthy competition for Villa’s No 1 Emiliano Martinez
‘Emi is a really good goalkeeper and I think working with him will make me a better goalkeeper,’ Olsen said.
‘The level of the sessions will be high. Hopefully we can push each other to be better.’
Olsen joins first choice Emiliano Martinez, understudy Jed Steer and Viljami Sinisalo as the senior keepers in the Villa squad, providing competition for Villa’s No 1 Martinez.
The Swedish star spent last season on loan at Everton so he already has experience playing in the Premier League. His international credentials are likely to see him as a significant upgrade to current reserve keepers Steer and Sinisalo.
Olsen has Premier League experience with Everton and spent this season at Sheffield United
‘I decided to do whatever I could to change club and sign for Villa,’ Olsen said after signing
Olsen has been on loan with Sheffield United for the first half of this season, but lost his place in the team after an injury. He was recalled to Roma last week after Villa indicated their interest.
Olsen joins Kerr Smith, Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho on the list of players that have joined the claret and blue this January.
Gerrard also remains interested in signing Brighton’s Yves Bissouma this window. The Mali international, who is currently representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, is valued at £50million.
